Title-chasing duo win despite weather woes

7:10am Monday 18th August 2008

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THE weather again played its part in Saturday’s Bolton League programme, but it was not enough to halt the two title hopefuls.

Champions Walkden have gradually hauled in runaway leaders Egerton over the past few weeks, yet despite crushing third placed Greenmount by seven wickets, they still trail their rivals by five points.

The rains halted Egerton’s game with Little Lever on 116-3, a total not up to the required run rate, and Egerton, who had earlier made 249-3, were awarded the points. Pro Sajith Fernando was unbeaten on 93, taking him to 1,000 runs for the season, while Paul Stafford hit 52.

Greenmount were dismissed for just 95 as Liam Jackson took 5-33, with skipper Jon Ashworth, the only batsmen to offer resistance with 43. Walkden strolled home by seven wickets, with pro Praveen Gupta 41 and skipper Mike Bennison unbeaten on 36.

Astley Bridge were all out for 152 against Horwich, who looked on course for victory at 75-0, before the rains came. That was also the case at Farnworth, where an intriguing game had to be abandoned.

Farnworth reached 190-8, with Pakistan international Kabir top scorer on 56. Bradshaw were 53-2, in reply, when the game was halted.

Tonge dominated a low-scoring affair against Farnworth Social Circle, which they won on run rate. The home side made 118-9 with in-form Matt Fray 41 as Matt Parkinson took 5-37. Circle had struggled to 51-7 after 28 overs when the game was called off.

The run rate went in Westhoughton’s favour as they reached 188 against bottom side Heaton, who had made 78-2 in the minumum 25 overs required for a result.

There was another low-scoring affair at Kearsley, where the home side, chasing just 98, were dismissed for 60 with Bolton League bowlers Steve Foster and Phil Ingram doing the damage. Ryan Hinds and Peter Morris had earlier put Kearsley in what they thought must have been a winning position, with nine wickets between them.